The Brisbane Truck Show has returned with full force in 2025, delivering a first day brimming with product unveilings, innovation showcases and industry-shaping conversations. With a clear focus on three dominant themes — Technology, Sustainability through Efficiency, and Safety — manufacturers and suppliers alike made their case for the future of transport.
Here’s a look at the major announcements and vehicles shaping day one at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Kenworth Evolves with Safety in Mind
Kenworth’s new wide cab range — T320, T420SAR, T620, and T620SAR — builds on a legacy of durability with upgrades in active safety, emissions compliance and driver ergonomics. New digital dashboards, six-camera AVN integration, and PACCAR Connect help drivers and managers monitor, maintain and react faster.
Volvo Electrifies and Localises
Volvo had a banner day with the announcement that it will manufacture electric trucks at its Wacol plant in Brisbane — marking a historic milestone for the Australian truck industry. It also received the 2025 International Truck of the Year award for the FH16 780, lauded for its 3800Nm torque, fuel-saving driveline, and advanced safety technologies.
Hyundai Puts Hydrogen Centre Stage
Hyundai unveiled the XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck and the updated MIGHTY Electric. The hydrogen-powered XCIENT offers 400km range and 20-minute refuelling, while the MIGHTY Electric targets urban logistics with a flexible 200km range. Both feature Hyundai’s SmartSense™ ADAS safety suite, aligning zero-emissions with road safety.
Scania Champions Biodiesel and HVO
While its fully electric 40 G BEV missed the show due to shipping delays, Scania used the opportunity to promote HVO and B100 biodiesel. Its flagship 770 S, 560 G and 500 P models can all operate on these fuels, offering up to 80% CO₂ reduction without compromising range or payload.
Hino Hybrid and Electric for Now and Tomorrow
Hino displayed its 300 Series Hybrid Electric trucks and previewed the zero-emissions Z-EV. The hybrid models — already proven with up to 22% fuel and emission savings — are available from car licence 4.5t to 8t GVM. The Z-EV walk-through van is now in Australian trials.
Mercedes-Benz Reveals ProCabin Actros
Mercedes-Benz Trucks debuted the futuristic ProCabin Actros, claiming a 3% fuel efficiency improvement through aerodynamic design alone. The new cab integrates seamlessly with advanced safety tech and will soon replace larger Actros models on sale in Australia.
PACCAR Drives DAF XB Electric Forward
DAF’s new XB Electric, suited for city and regional delivery tasks, made its Australian debut. With a compact yet comfortable cab and excellent manoeuvrability, the XB Electric aims to reduce emissions in metro areas while retaining driver comfort.
DFAC and Dongfeng Enter the Market
DFAC (Dongfeng) officially launched its range of 4.5 and 9.5 tonne light trucks for Australia, offering EURO6 Cummins engines and comprehensive safety systems as standard. Backed by KRW Motor Group, the brand promises diesel efficiency now, with electric and hydrogen to follow.
Fuso Raises the Bar with the Shogun 530
Fuso unveiled its most powerful truck yet — the Shogun 530, now with 530hp and 2600Nm of torque. Beyond the brute strength, it includes a cutting-edge safety suite with five radars and advanced camera systems for blind-spot and turn assist, as well as Side Guard Assist 2.0.
Freightliner Blends Heritage and Safety
Freightliner wowed the crowd with a camouflaged next-gen Cascadia and a “1942 Special Edition” celebrating its roots. But behind the nostalgia is serious tech: standard driver airbags, side protection airbags, and the upgraded Detroit Connect system offering incident video capture — all focused on chain of responsibility and fleet risk mitigation.
Wrapping Up Day One
It’s clear the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show isn’t just about what’s bigger, faster or stronger. Instead, exhibitors focused on demonstrating how today’s heavy vehicles can be smarter, cleaner and safer.
Whether it’s a 770-horsepower V8 running on HVO, a hydrogen fuel cell truck with a 20-minute refill, or AI that sees more than the driver can, this year’s show signals a rapidly changing future for the transport sector.
And it’s only day one. More announcements are expected in the coming days, but if today’s tone continues, fleet operators and industry insiders will walk away with a strong sense that the next generation of trucks will be defined not just by horsepower — but by intelligence, impact and integrity.
